Welding is a trade that requires technical knowledge, problem-solving, and attention to detail. If you’re thinking of welding as a career, you may wonder: Do welders need to be good at math? It’s a common question – and the answer may surprise you.
Whether you’re a student looking to learn welding, looking to change careers, or just curious about the trade, these FAQs will give you a better understanding of the skills, processes, and opportunities in the welding industry.
What are some common welding processes?
There are over 30 types of welding processes. The most common types welders use are gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and flux cored arc welding (FCAW). Each process has its own characteristics and uses, so each is suitable for different types of projects, materials, and outcomes.
What’s the difference between MIG, TIG, and Stick Welding?
Metal inert gas welding (MIG), a subset of GMAW, is a popular and versatile process. It uses a spool of continuously fed wire as an electrode to make a weld. The wire is heated by an electric arc and melts to join two pieces of metal. To protect the weld from contamination, a shielding gas, usually a mix of argon and carbon dioxide, is emitted from the welding gun.
MIG welding is used in industries such as automotive repair, manufacturing, construction, and metal fabrication. It’s good for welding thin to medium-thickness metals such as aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel. Because it produces clean and strong welds, MIG welding is the go-to process for projects from car body repairs to assembling large metal structures.
Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a precise, versatile process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to generate an electric arc for welding. A separate filler material can be added as needed to form the weld. A shielding gas, usually argon or a mix of argon and helium, protects the weld area from atmospheric contamination. Unlike MIG welding, TIG welding does not use a continuously fed wire electrode, giving the welder greater control over the weld bead.
TIG welding is used in industries where precision and clean welds are critical such as aerospace, automotive, and art or ornamental metalwork. It’s good for welding thin materials like stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, and other non-ferrous metals. TIG welding is used for fine detail or high strength joints such as fabricating medical devices, repairing bike frames or building race cars.
Stick welding, or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), is a widely used and versatile process where an electric arc forms between a flux-coated electrode and the metal being welded. The heat from the arc melts both the electrode and the workpiece, forming a weld. As the electrode burns, its flux coating creates a protective shielding gas and slag, preventing contamination from the atmosphere.
Stick welding is commonly used in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, repair work, and pipeline welding. It is well-suited for outdoor projects or harsh environments where wind, dirt, or moisture makes other welding processes difficult. It’s commonly used for structural steel fabrication, heavy machinery repairs, and welding pipelines.
Is there a lot of math in welding?
Yes, but you may be surprised to find out it’s not as complicated as you think. Welders use a basic understanding of fractions, decimals, conversions, and geometry to read blueprints, calculate measurements, and make precise cuts. Most welding machines have built-in settings for voltage and wire speed so welders can quickly work through multiple calculations.
What skills do welders use?
Along with their technical welding skills, welders also need to have problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills. They should be comfortable interpreting blueprints and instructions accurately, troubleshooting issues that arise during the welding process, and ensuring their work meets safety and quality standards. Welders often work in teams and frequently communicate with others to complete projects.
Which industries use welding?
Welding is used across many industries such as construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and defense, shipbuilding and oil and gas. This versatility makes welding a valuable skill in the job market as demand is expected to continue to grow.
How long does it take to learn welding?
How long it takes to learn welding depends on the path you take. At the Arizona Automotive Institute you can be prepared for welding careers in as little as 10 months with our Combination Welding program.
What are the different welding certifications and why do they matter?
The American Welding Society (AWS) offers various certifications which demonstrate welders meet industry standards and have the appropriate skills. These certifications are industry wide and prove a welder can work with different welding processes, techniques and materials.
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) provides nationally recognized credentials for construction and welding professionals, substantiating standardized training, assessment, and skill verification across industries. NCCER offers a series of certifications for welders and other skilled trades workers, helping to establish industry-recognized competencies and demonstrating that workers meet the requirements for their jobs.
NCCER credentials are competency-based, welders must demonstrate their skills in various welding processes, safety protocols, and technical knowledge.
Ready To Start Your Welding Journey?
Welding is a great trade with several opportunities across many industries. While math is involved in welding, you don’t have to be a mathematician to do well in this field. With the right training, you can quickly prepare for journey-level careers in welding.
Whether you’re looking into learning different welding techniques or preparing for certifications offered by the AWS and NCCER to advance your skills, there could be a path for you in this versatile industry.
If welding sounds like the right fit for you, take the first step toward learning with a program designed to give you hands-on experience and technical expertise. Contact Arizona Automotive Institute today to start your journey toward an exciting career in welding.
Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. AAI does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at AAI. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at AAI.
